This is the Kos newsletter: warm email notes from a friend. Finding the simple joy in parenthood, bodies, spirituality, creativity, and beauty. Sound like your jam? Subscribe below for notes a couple times a month.
Miss Stacy, is that you? Your positive aura has you absolutely glowing. Look at you in 2025 looking soooo good.
I don’t know about you but 2024 was kind of sucky. It had a lot of good and a lot to be grateful for but I’m not mad it’s over. On to 2025.
But yet. I have the urge to acknowledge it all, the good and the bad, and firmly turn the page. Should we talk about the good things of 2024? I’d love to hear about yours in the comments.
Pottery class - Last year my husband surprised me for Christmas with a beginner wheel throwing class at a local studio. Riddle me excited/terrified. But 12 weeks later, your girl was throwing bowls and mugs like she was 16 again. This summer, I was in a rut and remembered clay and how making stuff with my hands brings me back to life so ta dah! pottery class. And the bonus? The cutest acquaintance I’ve honestly wanted to get to know better for years. Serendipity.
Basement - Home renovations are fun/expensive/soul-sucking. This winter we saw 95% completion of our basement. We’ve been working on it for 1.5 years which is exactly one year longer than we thought lol. Last night we watched Arcane down there with our oldest boys and it was pure affirmation it was all worth it.
Health - I made appointments I needed to (←why is this so hard?) and got support to reach goals to help me feel stronger and healthier. I sleep better, am more energetic, and feel like I’m in my own body again.
Getaways - I “ran away” about 5 times this year. With friends last March where we paddle boarded, biked, napped, cooked, and chatted through it all. Then with my 3 sisters in May, showing them the Bay Area. Then home to Utah by myself. Then on a couple 24 hour stints with Keen. Every penny was worth it. I run away so I can run back, but better. Trips give me something to look forward to and rejuvenate something deep in me.
Kids - They’re my “why”. My boys make me more proud than anything in the world. Motherhood is a journey and I am *in it* but gosh, I’m grateful. Life is richer, funnier, cuter, crazier and everything I wanted because of them. Every day is too long and too short and it’s all surreal and weird but it’s wonderful. And I get to push a pallet at Costco sometimes, which is a life long dream.
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What were your highs of 2024? The good things that happened last year?
Stuff I bought in 2024 that I loved
I will not apologize for this section. I do love a good thing. I love well-designed stuff. I love the rush of a package on the porch. I’m also kind of a minimalist…(tbd) but there were just some purchases this year that cannot go unshared.
My heating pad - love this bad boy. comforting foot warmer after a rough bedtime routine or a warm-up during the work day after I’ve been sitting too long.
You by Glossier - i’m on a scent journey and You is my first discovery of 2025. Floral with a bit of a pink pepper kick? And it shifts on my skin over time. Been putting it on before bed even, it smells that good. Will report back on the other eau de parfums!
Everyday Oil - splurgey, made in North Carolina, nectar of the Gods. Literally the best smelling stuff on the planet. My skin is super dry and this wins.
Gortons filets - yes, i’m including frozen fish. But it’s delicious and the texture doesn’t freak me out and I’m trying to get more Omega-3’s.
Naturium body wash - exfoliating because it’s got salicylic acid, slightly foams. No scent. Just leaves my skin glowy like I’ve been eating many yams.
Almond scented stuff - L’occataine hand cream (5 stars, no question), Dr. Bronner’s Almond soap and this one French almond body wash. I’m on an almond kick.
Girl Who Can’t Relax phone games - Be a Japanese grandmother running a cozy restaurant or load people on busses. Basically if I’m cooking or organizing, I love the game.
Relaxing games & handicrafts- Mello is like a pretty Suduko but with colors. Pretty puzzles. Embroidery while watching a show. Organizing drawers while eating sour candy.
Pillow house jacket - Soft, fluffy, warm hug by an inanimate object. (Splurgey—this was a gift.)
Quince linen sheets - If you don’t care about wrinkles and you like soft but not too soft, try these. I have the brown, sage, and navy.
Dyson Airwrap - Looks like a got a blow out and makes me feel cute. (Splurgey)
Shakti mat with needles - I prefer the light one. Surprisingly refreshing and relaxing!
Pretty pajamas and lingerie - elevated and unique but still comfortable fabrics
Poketo planner - Enough space for each day, several places for running thoughts, and small space for habit tracking. I use this for personal/family and a separate planner for work. I also use my Google Calendar religiously.
What did you grab this year that you loved?
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